Montblanc has unveiled a sneak preview for SIHH 2014 in Geneva at the end of the month: the new Montblanc Star Twin Moonphase. A 42 mm steel watch housing a mechanical automatic winding caliber showing the hours, minutes and seconds in the center but also the phases of the moon in the northern and southern hemispheres.
Montblanc Star Twin Moonphase
Montblanc Star Twin Moonphase – Dial
Indicating the phase of the moon has long been one of the most popular horological complications and gives each watch a particularly poetic look. In fact, in every culture, people have always felt a deep emotional connection with the moon. Yet few people know that the vision of moon phases differs depending on the position of the observer depending on whether they are north or south of the equator.
Naturally, the phases of the moon follow the same sequence in both hemispheres however the shape formed by the moon rising or falling occurs in the southern hemisphere in reverse compared to the appearance in the northern one.
Montblanc Star Twin Moonphase – Dial Closeup
In the northern hemisphere, the crescent of the waxing moon is tilted to the right and to the left in the south. The same phenomenon occurs for the waning moon, the crescent is oriented left in the north and right in the south.
Virtually all watches that have an indication of the phases of the moon show its form as in the northern hemisphere, because the timepiece and the indication of moon phases were invented in this part of the world. In addition, the largest share of the world’s population -and thus the watch lovers- is established north of the equator.
Montblanc Star Twin Moonphase – Dial Closeup
But Montblanc has decided to change things with this model with a dual moon phase indicator at the six o’clock position which also displays the age of the moon. It also has a date subdial at 2 o’clock with a fine hand for the date in which the tip is crowned with a red crescent. This watch is equipped with blued steel hands: leaf-shaped for the hour and minute, stick type for seconds with Montblanc emblem as a counterweight. Note the guilloche dial and black Arabic numerals on silver gray background.
Montblanc Star Twin Moonphase – Case
The Montblanc Star Twin Moonphase has a 42mm stainless steel case, 12.7 mm thick with an antiglare sapphire crystal . Correcting the date and moon phase is performed by jumping one day using two integrated buttons on the sides of the housing. This model is marketed on a black alligator strap with large scales and folding clasp.
Montblanc Star Twin Moonphase – Case
Montblanc Star Twin Moonphase – Movement
The MB4810/913 caliber is visible through the sapphire crystal of the caseback and was collaboratively developed exclusively for Montblanc with Dubois-Dépraz.
If you want to rush and snap up this watch you will need some patience since the Montblanc Star Twin Moonphase will not be available until the fall of 2014 at Montblanc boutiques as well as selected jewelers. It is part of the moderately priced Star Collection which is between the $2,000 and $5,000 so will be priced within this price range probably the higher end due to its moonphase complication.
More resources about the Monblanc Star Twin Moonphase available on Monochrome.
